Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson leaves Navy cornerback Parrish Gaines behind on his way for a 45 yard touchdown pass during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State beat Navy, 34-7. JOE HERMITT, The Patriot-News

Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson burst onto the scene last season to win Big Ten receiver of the year honors. Robinson led the Big Ten with a school-record 77 catches for 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns while logging just the third 1,000-yard season in PSU history.

He was a handful for opponents all over the field, with his ability to run in the open field and out-leap opponents for jump balls. Robinson made a connection with redshirt senior quarterback Matt McGloin, who called his number often and looked his way when plays broke down.

That connection is being re-established with a first-year starter in either sophomore Tyler Ferguson or freshman Christian Hackenberg. Robinson can ease the transition with his versatility, which wide receivers coach Stan Hixon expects to reach the next level.

With a season under his belt, Robinson is eyeing snaps out of the slot, Hixon said. It's a design to help Robinson get better and give opposing defenses the responsibility of spotting the junior before the snap.

"By him playing a lot last year at his position on the outside, he has a better concept of what's going on in the inside," Hixon told Penn State's athletics website. "This spring, we played him a little bit inside from time to time because he wants to get better and can be more creative by being in different spots."

That creativity will only give coach Bill O'Brien more options in his formations and personnel groupings. With Robinson's versatility, multiple options in the backfield and a deep stable of tight ends, Penn State's offense has nearly limitless looks for opponents.

But to move Robinson around would require a step forward from one or two of the Nittany Lions' unknowns, much like Robinson did a season ago.

Geno Lewis is a candidate for that role after a standout spring and summer. Brandon Moseby-Felder is a reliable veteran and second option. Richy Anderson has promise. Matt Zanellato and Alex Kenney offer experience.

"Obviously, I think the defense has got to find him and they will," Hixon said, "but if that happens, other guys have got to step forward and make plays for us."